​RELATED KEYWORDS: Tourists|Salim-Ali|Panvel|Makeover|Karnala-Bird-Sanctuary|Bird-WatcherKarnala Bird Sanctuary’s new look to soon be a realityVijay Singh, TNN | Oct 10, 2014, 12.00AM ISTNAVI MUMBAI: Karnala Bird Sanctuary, situated around 12 km off Panvel city, next to the Mumbai-Goa highway, is all set to get a phase-wise makeover. The phase-1 of the makeover was started on Tuesday by senior officials of Thane Wildlife Division and NGO Go Green Nursery. The project is being undertaken to attract more tourists to the site.

A replica of the famous Karnala Fort, which lies within the sanctuary, was also unveiled at the event, along with a medical care centre and new signboards to guide tourists inside this forest zone.

"Tourists have to pay Rs 30 to enter the sanctuary. So we want them to have an enriching experience. We are also involving villagers in maintaining the sanctuary, so that they realize the importance of protecting this natural heritage, founded by bird watcher, late Dr Salim Ali,'' said conservator of forests (wildlife) Anwar Ahmed.

Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali, the niece of late Dr Salim Ali informed that a bust of the famous bird watcher will also be unveiled.